News

The queen of Australian netball has been granted a special audience with royalty in Brisbane this weekend.

Australian Diamonds and Queensland Firebirds captain Laura Geitz has been asked by Queensland Premier Campbell Newman to host the official function on Easter Saturday being thrown for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Prince William and his wife Kate on 19 April.

Geitz was already on the invite list for the Royal’s reception and was stunned when asked by the Premier if she wanted to take on the job as MC.

“I was so excited to even be invited to attend the official function so when I got the phone call to be the MC for the event, I couldn’t believe it,” Geitz said.

“I can’t wait to meet some of the people that have been invited to the reception, let alone hopefully have the opportunity to talk with the Duke and Duchess.”

The function is being held at the Brisbane Convention and Entertainment Centre – where Geitz will be in action the following day leading the Firebirds against the NSW Swifts.

“So far this season we haven’t had many wins at home – so I might ask Kate to stay and cheer us on,” Geitz joked.

“Hopefully the royal touch might be just what we need to grab a win at home.”

“The invitation has outlined some protocols so, while I will be mostly focused on the team (Firebirds) returning to form, I will have to give some thought to all things royal,” Geitz said.

Netball has featured prominently in the royal couple’s visit to Australia this week.

NSW Swifts captain and Australian Diamonds vice-captain Kimberlee Green was one of 20 New South Wales-based athletes invited along as guests to the welcome reception held at the Sydney Opera House on Thursday.